Redfin Blog

You head downstairs for a load of laundry, only to feel a cold squish beneath your sock. The smell hits next, a faint, mildew musk. You follow the damp trail to the corner, and there it is: a slow, creeping puddle where no puddle should be. Panic? Not necessary. Action? Absolutely.
Terri Ferguson of Aspen Foundation Repair recommends, "When you discover water infiltration in your basement or crawl space, you need to call a waterproofing company to inspect the area and address the issue. It is never a good idea to leave the water infiltration unresolved for a long time. Consider getting a plumber to look at your pipe and see if you have a leak due to a broken pipe. These are the most common water infiltration situations."

Translation: Don’t wait. Moisture isn’t a phase; it’s a potential disaster in disguise.

Can you temporarily manage basement moisture?

While you might hope for a quick fix, experts agree that moisture issues need more than temporary band-aids. "Unfortunately, there are no temporary solutions to fix the problem, but only preventive ones," says Terri. "Avoid watering around the house. Direct your gutters away from the house. Fix the broken pipes." In other words, prevention is your only buffer until you can tackle the root of the problem.
A dehumidifier can offer short-term relief by managing humidity, but it won't solve infiltration. "A dehumidifier can help with normal humidity in a basement, but will not resolve your water infiltration problem," Terri explains. "It is mainly used during spring and fall." Think of it as a mop — not a dam. It manages the symptoms, not the source.